Chapter Thirty Six: Strained Relations
---x---
(A/N: I just wanted to state before hand, that MY Raw is going to be quite a bit different than the actually Raw, which may or may not be a bad thing, because I thought that this episode of Raw was one of the worst in a while. There were no decent length matches, Vince ruined what could have been a perfectly good cage match by getting involved, and the whole 'Hornswoggle McMahon' thing is only taking away from time that could be otherwise used to make longer matches. I don't know maybe it's just me.
But anyway, first off, Cena is not going to be forced into that Championship Surrender Ceremony. He won the title last week, and Orton never had that match with his father. So Cena has no reason to attack Vince and Coach, meaning they have no reason to want to strip him of the WWE Championship.
Second, Maria is not going to come out with Santino, she just made her injury return last week and is not going to be involved with him this week. There will still be the Santino versus Ron Simmons match though.
Third, London and Kendrick still have the World Tag Team Titles that they stole from Cade and Murdoch last week.
---x---
Raw was live from Milwaukee Wisconsin, Vince McMahon and Coach were in the ring to start the show. Vince McMahon hooked Hornswoggle up with Melina, then added himself to the Carlito/Triple H steel cage match. But then the cameras cut backstage and showed Machetti, London, and Kendrick arriving at the arena. Even though Paul and Brian still had their stolen World Tag Team Titles, their arrival was rather somber. Last week Machetti had lost his title. The three of them kept walking until they came across John Cena. Machetti nodded to Paul and Brian and the two of them headed off, leaving Machetti on his own with the new WWE Champ.
"How are you holding up?" asked Cena.
"Well, I'm not going to say I'm not upset," answered Machetti, "because I am, I was kicking your ass for the majority of that match."
"I can testify to that," commented Cena.
"But despite everything I still lost," admitted Machetti.
"Look man," said Cena uneasily, "I don't know what to say. I saw what actually happened and I'm sorry."
"Hey, it's not your fault, you didn't know," replied Machetti with a frown.
"I know, but throughout that match you didn't do anything I wouldn't have," acknowledged Cena, "and when I pinned you without knowing what happened, I know you probably would have done the same thing if our situations were reversed."
"You're right, I would have," admitted Machetti. "But that's why I don't blame you."
"I know, but you're the one who is being punished now," replied Cena, "you lost the re-match clause in your contract, because Coach wanted to punish me. Now you're not going to be able to get another title shot, which I would normally give to you any time you wanted."
"Coach said the loser of last week's match wasn't going to be given a title match for a long time," Machetti pointed out, "I can still earn one. Eventually an opportunity will present itself. I'll just be patient and bide my time, even if I have to wait until WrestleMania and win the Money in the Bank, I guarantee, that I'll eventually be back in the title picture."
"I'm counting on it," said Cena.
"Besides," continued Machetti, "it's not like they're will be nothing to do. I can help Paul and Brian legitimately win the World Tag Team Titles and I need to sort out this thing with Maria and Candice."
"Well, good luck I guess," offered Cena, not sure what to make of Machetti's plans.
"Just do me a favor," added Machetti.
"What?" asked Cena.
"At No Mercy, kick Orton's ass," answered Machetti.
"No problem," replied Cena, "take care, man."
"You too," said Machetti as Cena walked off. Machetti then headed off in the opposite direction as the camera faded and Raw went to a commercial.
---x---
Raw was still live and Machetti was shown about to head into the Chaos Inc Locker Room, when Maria walked up to him.
"Hey," greeted Maria, as Machetti slowly turned to face her.
"Hey," replied Machetti, in a somewhat expressionless tone.
"Look, I'm sorry about last week," apologized Maria, "I wasn't aiming at you… Candice… well… I didn't mean to cost you the title."
"Well… you kind of did," Machetti pointed out, "but I must say, you have one hell of a chair shot. This makes it the second time I've been bashed in the face with a chair by you, and it hurts. I don't think I want that to happen again."
"Neither do I," agreed Maria, "is there anything I can do to make it up to you?"
"Not really," answered Machetti, "I lost my title, and I'm apparently not allowed to get another title shot."
"Look, I'm really, really sorry," Maria apologized again, "it's just… I was watching Unforgiven… and I saw you and Candice. I couldn't take it. I never meant to cost you your title."
"I know you didn't," replied Machetti, "but maybe now you know how I felt about you and Santino." Maria didn't say anything, she just stared at Machetti. "Look, I don't blame you, I'll get another title shot somehow. But for now I've got to go, I need to get Paul and Brian psyched up for their match against Cade and Murdoch. If they win tonight, they get a shot at the tag team titles next week."
"So…" questioned Maria.
"So?" repeated Machetti.
"What does this mean for us?" asked Maria.
"You know what," said Machetti, "I really don't know. I won't say I'm not upset, because I am. I'll probably just need some time to cool off."
"Alright," replied Maria, with a small frown, "if that's what you think is best, I'll give you some space."
"Maybe I'll see ya," concluded Machetti as he opened the door in front of him and headed into the locker room. The door closed behind him, leaving Maria on her own, she sighed, and then walked off.
---x---
Raw came back and London and Kendrick versus Cade and Murdoch was underway. Machetti was standing at ringside, as were the Highlanders, who had told Cade and Murdoch that they wanted a title shot. London was in the ring being isolated by the Tag Team Champions. Cade dragged London over to the corner and laid him across his knee, then reached over and tagged in Murdoch.
Murdoch climbed up onto the top rope, then lunged off and connected with an arm bat to London's head, driving him down onto Cade's leg for a backbreaker. Cade got out of the ring and Murdoch dragged London into the middle of the ring, then locked in an abdominal stretch. Murdoch kept applying pressure, but London eventually fought out of ht and hit a hurricurana. Then rushed to his corner and tagged in Kendrick.
Kendrick came in all fired up and took down Murdoch with a running calf kick. Murdoch tumbled backward and managed to tag in Cade. Cade came in but got taken down by Spanky, he got back up, only to get taken down again with dropkick. Kendrick then hit a jumping leg lariat, then went for a pin, ONE… TWO… but Murdoch rushed into the ring and broke up the pin.
London came in and attacked Murdoch, then pulled him up off of Kendrick and tossed him out of the ring. Paul then launched himself over the top rope and onto Murdoch on the outside, taking both of them out of the match. Cade and Kendrick got back up to their feet, but Kendrick connected with a superkick right to the face. Brian then grabbed Cade and followed up with Sliced Bread Number Two. Kendrick quickly made the cover, ONE… TWO… THR… THE HIGHLANDERS RUSHED INTO THE RING AND BROKE UP THE PIN.
The referee called for the bell, ending the match as a disqualification. But the Highlanders didn't get to attack Kendrick for long, because Machetti quickly hit the ring and took Robbie down with a corkscrew dropkick, then grabbed Robbie and whipped him into the corner. Machetti rushed at Robbie and hit a crossbody, then he stepped back and jumped up onto Robbie's shoulders, looking for a hurricurana.
Rory rushed at Machetti, looking to stop him, but Machetti grabbed Rory's head, then spun to the side, sending Robbie flying with a head-scissors, while taking Rory down with and arm drag. Machetti got up and the Highlanders bailed to the outside. Machetti helped Kendrick up, then went to get a mic, before turning to face the Highlanders, who had been joined on the entrance ramp by Cade and Murdoch, who had stolen back their Tag Team Titles during Robbie and Rory's attack.
"I bet you guys think you're really clever," said Machetti as he walked over to the ropes, "well I'll tell you what. Why don't the three of us fight the four of you in tonight's main event? What do you say? It's a four-on-three handicap match, think you can handle that?"
The four wrestlers stared at Machetti, "Fine you're on!" shouted Cade, "We'll see you later tonight!"
London and Kendrick came up behind Machetti and the three of them stared down with the four other superstars as Raw went to a commercial break.
---x---
Raw had come back and Melina had just been chased from the Women's Locker Room clad only in a towel. The camera then went else where and showed Maria backstage, but then she was approached by Women's Champion Candice Michelle. She was dressed to compete, since her mixed tag match was next.
"What do you want?" asked Maria as she turned and glared the Women's Champion.
"Careful, you don't have a chair with you now," commented Candice, "and if we get in a fight now, I'd most likely kick your butt."
"What are you trying to do with Machetti?" demanded Maria, "he doesn't like you!"
"Is that so?" questioned Candice, who appeared to be unfazed, "well, I never cost him the WWE Title. The few times that I went out to ringside with him, Machetti won."
"What's that supposed to mean?" questioned Maria.
"It means, that you're giving me the opportunity I need to get what I want," replied Candice with a small grin, "so thanks."
"Well if anything you want involves Machetti, don't expect to get it without a fight," challenged Maria.
Candice's grin grew a little bit bigger, "If that's the case, I'll be looking forward to it," Candice said in a casual tone before turning and heading off, leaving the Raw Backstage Interviewer glaring after her.
---x---
Raw came back from a commercial break and it was time for the Main Event. The music of the World Tag Team Champions hit and Cade and Murdoch came out from the back and got in their ring. But then the Highlanders music hit prompting Robbie and Rory to come out from the back and join the tag team champions in the ring.
Then Riot Time hit and Machetti came out from the back accompanied by London and Kendrick. London and Kendrick were wearing their own t-shirt and their purple and green shorts, while Machetti was wearing his traditional black, and his Chaos Inc sweatshirt. The Highlanders and the Red Neck Wrecking Crew bailed out of the ring as Kendrick, London, and Machetti sprinted down to the ring and slid under the bottom rope.
London and Kendrick ran to two separate corners and jumped up onto the middle rope, while Machetti walked forward and climbed up onto the middle rope while glaring out of the ring at their four opponents. Then at the same time, London and Kendrick back-flipped out of their corners, while Machetti back-flipped off of the middle rope. All three of them landed in the middle of the ring, then they pulled off their shirts and tossed them out of the ring, challenging their opponents to get into the ring.
The referee told the Chaos Inc members to get into their corner then called for the bell, signaling the start of the match. Machetti glanced over his shoulder and saw Cade, Murdoch, Robbie, and Rory getting in the ring. Machetti turned back to Paul and Brian and told them he'd start the match. London and Kendrick seemed to think that was okay, because they got out of the ring and climbed out onto the ring apron. Machetti turned around to see their four opponents in a group conversation, then they eventually sent out Rory to start the match.
Machetti walked up into the middle of the ring and called for a lock up. Rory slowly approached the former WWE Champion then locked up with him. The two men seem to be at a stalemate, but then Machetti grabbed a Side Headlock on Rory. Machetti ran with Rory and dragged him over to the ropes, but the Highlander pushed Machetti off of him. But as he was pushed into the ropes, Machetti jumped up onto the middle rope, then springboarded backwards off of it and caught Rory in the jaw with a Springboard Back Elbow.
Rory staggered backwards, then backing into his corner and tagged in Robbie. Rory got out of the ring and Robbie came in then approached Machetti. "I'm Robbie," said Robbie when he got close enough to Machetti. Machetti nodded the held out his hand in a way of saying 'nice to meet you'. But when Robbie grabbed Machetti's hand to shake it, Machetti suddenly yanked Robbie forward by his arm, then drove his head down to the mat for a DDT. Machetti rolled Robbie onto his back and went for a pin, ONE… TWO… but Robbie kicked out.
Machetti rolled off of Robbie and got up to his feet, but Robbie shot back up as well and charged at Machetti, he was a little pissed off now. Robbie went to hit Machetti with a Clothesline, but Machetti ducked under it, causing Robbie to run passed him, then when Robbie turned around Machetti connected with a Superkick right to the jaw, knocking Robbie onto his back.
Machetti walked over to Robbie then grabbed his arm and pulled him up to his feet with it. Machetti wrenched Robbie's arm and twisted it for an Arm Lock, then dragged him over to his team's corner and tagged in Kendrick. Brian climbed up onto the top rope, while Machetti held out Robbie's arm. Kendrick came off of the top, then drove his elbow down into Robbie's shoulder, knocking him down to the mat. Machetti nodded at Kendrick then got out of the ring.
Kendrick pulled Robbie up to his feet, then whipped him into the ropes. When Robbie came back Brian caught him with a big Arm Drag, then ran at him and jumped into the air in order to come down for a Running Leg Drop. Kendrick pulled Robbie back up to his feet then whipped him across the ring into an empty corner. Brian rushed at Robbie, then jumped up into the air and drove his feet into the Highlander's chest, did a back-flip, then landed on his feet in front of him. Robbie staggered forward, but Kendrick followed up by jumping up and connecting with an Enzuigiri to the back of the head.
Robbie stood dazed for a moment, then toppled over and fell on his face. Kendrick rolled Robbie onto his back and went for a pin, ONE… TW… Robbie managed to kick out. Kendrick got up and pulled Robbie off of the mat with his arm, then turned it into an Arm Lock and dragged Robbie over into the corner. Kendrick tagged in London, who got into the ring, then worked together with Brian and whipped Robbie into the ropes, when Robbie came back then caught him with a Double Back Body Drop, launching the Highlander high up into the air, only for him to come crashing down on his back. Kendrick got out of the ring and left London to make a cover, ONE… TWO… THR… Cade came into the ring and broke up the pin attempt.
But the referee quickly came over and reprimanded Cade for getting in the ring, then sent him back over to his corner. In that time London had gotten back up and had pulled Robbie back up to his feet. Paul whipped Robbie into the ropes, then when he came back, London jumped up into the air and caught Robbie with a Drop-Sault, he quickly followed up by going for a pin, ONE… TWO… TH… but Rory kicked out.
London got back up off of the mat, then pulled Robbie up and whipped him into the nearby corner. Paul rushed at Robbie and connected with a running shoulder thrust right to the stomach, then jumped back and pulled Robbie away from the corner. While Robbie was recovering, London quickly climbed up onto the top rope, then jumped off of it and drove his feet down into Robbie's back for a Mule Kick, or some kind of Mushroom Stomp. Paul got back up to his feet and rolled Robbie onto his back, then he took a few steps back, rushed at Robbie, jumped up into the air, did a back-flip, then came down with a Running Shooting Star Press. London followed up by going for a pin, ONE… TWO… THRE... Rory got in the ring and broke up the pin.
It looked like Rory was going to keep up attacking Paul, but suddenly Machetti springboarded off of the top rope in his corner and hit Rory with a Springboard Clothesline, knocking him down to the mat. Rory rolled under the bottom rope and dropped down to the floor. But Machetti's attack, prompted Cade and Murdoch to his the ring, and the Red Neck Wrecking Crew started attacking Machetti. But Kendrick came over and made the save, he and Machetti grabbed Cade and Murdoch then ran with them and tossed them over the top rope, causing them to go crashing down on either side of Rory.
Just seconds after London had pulled Robbie back up to his feet, then whipped him into the ropes, then jumped up and hit a high Dropkick to the face. Robbie fell backwards and ended up toppling out of the ring, and landing at the feet of his tag team partners. Rory and Cade helped Robbie back up to his feet while Murdoch glared at Kendrick, London and Machetti. But in response, the three superstars in the ring, simply smirked, then rushed forward, vaulted over the top rope and came crashing down on their four opponents at ringside. All seven men were down and out side of the ring, this could only mean one thing… commercial break.
---x---
When Raw came back the match was still underway. Robbie was still in the ring, but now he was being worked over by Machetti, who London and tagged in over the break. While Machetti stomped on Robbie they showed a replay of one thing that happened during the break. Paul had tagged in Machetti, who came in and held Robbie's arms behind his back, allowing Paul to jump up and connect with a Drop-Sault, prompting Machetti to launch Robbie over his head for a Dragon Suplex, then went for a pin while London got out of the ring. ONE… TWO… THR… but obviously Robbie kicked out.
Back with the current match, Machetti pulled Robbie up off of the mat, then whipped him into a corner. Machetti ran at Robbie and hit a running Crossbody into the turnbuckle, then he jumped up and sent Robbie across the ring with a Hurricurana. Machetti followed up by climbing up onto the top rope, then connected with a Diving Head-Butt. Machetti quickly made the cover, ONE… TWO… THRE-NO! Robbie just barely managed to kick out.
Machetti got up off of Robbie and sat down on the mat next to him, he actually had an impressed look on his face, he hadn't expected the Highlander to be able to kick out. But Machetti shrugged it off, then got up and pulled Robbie to his feet, then whipped him into his corner. Machetti walked to the corner after Robbie, then reached out and tagged in Kendrick, then motioned to London to get in the ring. Paul and Machetti eventually hoisted Robbie up into the air for a Double Suplex, then Brian came off of the top rope for a Crossbody, adding some more force as London and Machetti drove Robbie back down to the mat.
Paul and Machetti quickly got out of the ring, allowing Brian to go for a pin, ONE… TWO… TH… Murdoch got in the ring, grabbed Brian's foot, and pulled him off of Robbie. Kendrick shot back up to his feet and showed Murdoch, who stumbled back and went to attack Brain, but the referee rushed over and separated the two superstars. Murdoch glared at Kendrick before leaving the ring and getting back on the apron.
Brian turned around and saw Robbie on his hands and knees, attempting to get up, so he quickly rushed to the ropes and went to bounce off of them, but he ran right into a knee from Rory. Brian stumbled forward, which allowed Robbie to capitalize by hitting a big DDT. Robbie crawled away from Brian and tagged in Cade, who rushed over to Kendrick and made a cover, ONE… TWO… TH… Kendrick kicked out.
Cade got up and wasted no time in sitting Brian up and locking in a chin lock. Kendrick struggled and grabbed Cade's arm and attempted to pull it away from his throat, but Cade held on tightly and clasped his arm with other arm, making sure it wouldn't go anywhere. Brian realized that simply pulling Cade's arm off of him wasn't going to work, and he'd have to fight out of the chin lock if he didn't want to be forced to tap out.
Thinking quickly, Kendrick brought up his foot from his sitting position, and connected with Cade's head. The kick had caught Cade off guard enough to allow Kendrick to fight up to his feet. But Cade took control again by dragging Brian over to the corner and tagging in Murdoch. Cade released the Chin Lock, but only to allow Murdoch to grab hold of Kendrick, the World Tag Team Champions worked together and followed up by driving Brian's head down to the mat for a Double DDT. Cade got out of the ring and Murdoch quickly made the cover, ONE… TWO… THR-NO!
Murdoch got up off of Brian and picked up where Cade left off by locked in a Sleeper Hold on Kendrick. Brian was in trouble again, but this time inspiration came from Paul and Machetti when they yelled, "GRAP THE ROPE!" from the ring apron. Kendrick glanced in front of him and noticed that the ring ropes were just out of reach. Brian reached out and tried to grab the middle rope with his arms but he couldn't reach, then a sudden inspiration hit Brian and he reached out with his legs and managed to wrap them around the bottom rope.
The referee instructed Murdoch to relinquish the hold, which he reluctantly did before backing away from Brian. Murdoch turned to London and Machetti and pointed out that he was showing sportsman-like conduct by giving Kendrick some space and allowing him to get back up to his feet. Machetti turned to Paul and gave him a look that said, 'He's got us there.' London simply shrugged in response.
Kendrick eventually pulled himself up off of the ropes then turned to face Murdoch. Murdoch held out his hands and called for a Lock Up, which Brian reluctantly granted him. That proved to be a mistake, because Murdoch quickly took control and managed to back his tired opponent into the corner. Murdoch made a clean break then reached out and tagged in Rory.
Rory got in the ring and grabbed hold of Brian then whipped him across the ring and into the ropes, then charged after him. Kendrick bounced off of the ropes and ran face-first into a High Elbow from Rory, and was knocked to the ground. Rory stayed in control and lifted Brian back up, only to knock him back down with a hard Head-Butt. Rory followed up by jumped up into the air, then came crashing down knee-first on Brian's head.
Rory rolled away from Kendrick, and got back up to his feet, then came back over and pulled Brian up as well. Rory whipped Kendrick into the corner, then ran at him and hit a hard Clothesline that nearly took Brian's head off. Rory stepped back and allowed Kendrick to fall forward down to the mat, then rolled him onto his back and went for a cover, ONE… TW-KICK OUT!
Rory pulled Kendrick up off of the ground then dragged him over to the corner and tagged in Cade. Cade and Rory whipped Kendrick into the ropes then caught him as he came back with a Double Clothesline. Lateral Press by Cade, ONE… TWO… THRE… Kendrick was just barely able to kick out. Cade got up to his feet and took a step back, then rushed forward and came crashing down on Brian's head for a Running Leg Drop. But that wasn't enough, Cade dragged Kendrick closer to the corner, then climbed up onto the middle rope. Cade lunged off and came crashing down for a Diving Leg Drop, the capitalized with a pin, ONE… TWO… THR… Machetti got in the ring and broke up the pin.
Cade shot up to his feet and glared at Machetti as he was ushered back to his corner by the referee, then when the referee turned back around, Cade reached out and tagged Murdoch back in. Cade and Murdoch walked over to Kendrick, then Cade lifted up his partner and dropped him down across Kendrick's face for their usual Double Team Leg Drop. Cade left and Murdoch went for a pin, ONE… TWO… THR- NO! Murdoch stared down at Kendrick in shock then slowly got up to his feet.
Murdoch stepped away from Kendrick and climbed up onto the top rope in his teams corner. Murdoch waited until Brian got up to his feet, then lunged at him for a Top Rope Bulldog, but just before Murdoch jumped, from across the ring Machetti had shouted, "DROP!" Brian did just that, and Murdoch flew over him and crashed to the ground. Kendrick tried to capitalize by crawling to his corner, but Murdoch managed to grab Kendrick's leg.
Murdoch stood up and held onto Brian's leg, forcing to stand up as well. But Kendrick suddenly swung his leg around and connected with the back of Murdoch's head for a desperate Enzuigiri. Brian fought up off of the mat, then dove into this corner and made a hot tag to Machetti. Machetti rushed into the ring and ran at Murdoch, then jumped up into the air and took him down with a Flying Clothesline. Machetti landed in a roll and jumped back up to his feet, then rushed at Murdoch and knocked him back down to the mat with a Running Corkscrew Dropkick.
Machetti got up and pulled Murdoch up off of the ground, then pushed him backwards into the rope. When Murdoch came back, Machetti ducked down then launched Murdoch over his head and up into the air for a Back Body Drop. Murdoch landed with a thud then rolled over to his corner and tagged Cade back in. Cade rushed at Machetti but Machetti ducked under Cade's Clothesline attempt. Both superstars turned around, Machetti quickly followed up with a Superkick. Cade stood dazed for a moment, then Machetti followed up by nailing an Impaler, Machetti went for a pin, ONE… TWO… THR… Robbie and Rory rushed into the ring and pulled Machetti off of Cade.
The Highlanders took a step back then went for a Double Clothesline when Machetti got to his feet, but Machetti ducked the double team, then rushed at them and Clotheslined all three of them over the top rope. Robbie and Rory went crashing to the ground, but Machetti grabbed the top rope. Machetti Skinned-the-Cat, then hoisted himself up onto the middle rope, back-flipped off of it, then hit a Springboard Moonsault onto Cade. Machetti was about to go for a pin, but instead got off of Cade then walked to the corner and tagged in London.
The two of them went over to Cade, pulled him up to his feet, London went up and hit a Drop-Sault, while Machetti went down and swept Cade's legs out from under him. Machetti nodded to London, then reached out in front of him, grabbed onto the top rope, then hoisted himself up onto it, Springboarded off of it, did a back-flip, then came crashing down on the Highlanders for a Springboard Shooting Star Press Plancha. Paul didn't waste anytime and ran to the corner, then jumped up onto the top rope. He lunged off, did a front-flip, then came crashing down on Cade for a 540 Splash.
London quickly followed up with a pin, ONE… TW- Murdoch got in the ring and attempted to break up the pin, but Kendrick got in and took him down a Running Crossbody -O… THREE! London pinned Cade, giving him and Kendrick another win over the World Tag Team Champions! Machetti joined Paul and Brian back in the ring and the three of them celebrated together to close the show.
---x---
Sorry this one came out kind of late. I really didn't know what to do with it, and the actual Raw didn't really work with me.
'Till Next Time…
Peace!